C. Vivian Stringer
Inducted:
2009
Stats
Born
March 16, 1948
Edenborn, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Coach
College:
NA
C. Vivian Stringer is a legendary architect of women’s college basketball, known for her ability to transform struggling programs into national powerhouses. Over a 50-year coaching career, she became the first coach in history—men's or women's—to lead three different programs to the NCAA Final Four: Cheyney State (1982), Iowa (1993), and Rutgers (2000, 2007).
Stringer's legacy is built on resilience and excellence. She retired in 2022 with 1,055 career victories, ranking her among the top five winningest coaches in NCAA history. A three-time National Coach of the Year, she was a pioneer for African American coaches, becoming the first to reach the 1,000-win milestone. Her impact on the game's growth was cemented when she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
Stringer's Awards and Records
- 3x National Coach of the Year (1982, 1988, 1993)
- Naismith Outstanding Contributor to Basketball (2024)
- John R. Wooden "Legends of Coaching" Award (2020)
- Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (2001)
- First African American coach to win 1,000 games
- First coach to reach Final Four with three different schools
NBA Team
Cheyney State (1972–1983)
Iowa (1983–1995)
Rutgers (1995–2022)
NBA Stats
Years as Head Coach:
50 (1972–2022)
Total Career Wins:
1,055
NCAA Final Four Appearances:
4 (1982, 1993, 2000, 2007)
NCAA Tournament Berths:
28
20-Win Seasons:
37 (NCAA Record)
Olympic Gold Medals:
1 (As Assistant Coach, 2004)